The Years Go By... · 6:27am Dec 31st, 2023
... but I'm still here!
Greetings, everyone.
Yeah, I know, the beginning sounds a bit vainglorious, but I believe that I have some right to celebrate. Life gets complicated in a myriad of ways, but I have somehow still remained, still pushing through with the might I have. And so, we come to the end of another year. Was it a good one? Uhm... Yes, and no. Some things I have managed to achieve, some fell under my radar despite my best intentions. Ebbs and flows. But! I think I can say that 2023 is ending on a positive note from me. I have went into quite a long exposition last year, with all the things happening in my life. This, passing year was definitely a little bit less frantic, though my stressful job did limit my writing opportunities at one point.
As you might remember, my goal for this year was to maintain a steady, 1000 word quota. It's a little dodgy when one tries to apply productivity requirements to something as ephemeral as creation, but sometimes what a muse needs is allocation! And, for the vast majority of the year it really worked. I did hit a snag from August to October, mostly, but I am not going to be casting blame upon myself too much. There were good reasons for it, and one has to show some little kindness to oneself, especially if one is usually a harsh taskmaster. Which is why I think I will keep the quota like it is. It provides a nice, round number, and when inspiration strikes, I have already seen that I can push myself to write more. So let's treat anything "more" as a nice bonus to brighten one's day!
So, what is going on now? I'll give a short but sweet summary, hoping to provide a genuine and transparent context to some things.
First of all, the matter of the two, unfinished tales: "The Rose and the Serpent" and "Grave Matters". At this point, I don't want to make promises. Not that I don't want to continue writing them, no, I hate leaving things unfinished (and my very first tale is already a grim reminder). I have even made some progress into the next chapters for both (if you shall graciously allow me to call a few days on each "progress"). It's just that I am not yet satisfied with neither tale's continuation, I don't feel those juices flowing nicely. Perhaps it's a curse of my calling, but I'd rather have them continue at some, undisclosed point, when I am actually happy with the outcome, then put out something just to push them both to a finish. Yet I shall not put any of them into the "Cancelled" territory, as they don't deserve it.
Before the "main course", let me just share that I have, also, made some progress into two, other tales. One experimental (and I'm not sure it will go anywhere, but I will see what the next year holds), and the other a chrysalis (no, not that one, though I like her) of yet another "legal" story of mine. Again, the curse holds, so until I am at least satisfied with how they shall be looking, I won't make any timetables or promises. It is enough for me that I have the drive to try creating more new things, as I remember all too well the numbness of lacking creativity. All I can ask, is for you to stay tuned, because one never knows what might happen!
And, finally, a word on "Journey with a Batpony". Many, many words about it, actually, because I have lost control at this point. You saw the chapters this year, right? Yes, I did plan for this tale to be a grand epic, but I am arriving at the realization that I have been creating it for almost a DECADE now. And I know that some of you have been here for equally that long, and I am, frankly, amazed we are still here. And I couldn't be more grateful for any and all of you, who did choose this "little" story to read. This passing year has firmly pushed me into those longer chapters of quite the significance, but that is not me saying that I am rushing things at a hastened pace just to finally finish the story. No. If anything, I have made it a conscious choice to let it run its course, however long it takes. My little child has grown, it's now going to school and making me proud. So I do hope that you are ready and eager for more, since more there shall definitely be. At this point, one hopes that one's health will last for long enough to see the story come to its conclusion, not that I am suffering from any serious illness, thank God!
So...
Ah, yes, of course, wait a second. I was supposed to share something, regarding the "Journey".
We all know that some traditions dictate finishing the year and starting the next one with a bang, for good luck and prosperity. Usually that means fireworks, yes, but... I think I have another sort of an illuminating performance to share with you, as the next chapter of the "Journey" shall happen right on the 1st of January. I, admittedly, need to make my way home first from spending my holidays with my family to properly post it, but... well, let's just say that I am not trying to build some sort of hype for it for naught, and I humbly ask you to withstand some hours into the New Year 2024 for it to arrive (or see it appear right as 2023 shall be finishing, because damn the time zones).
Nevertheless, I need to mark this decade with something, after all, so why not with something I have been designing for the entirety of it and a bit more.
As my closing statement – allow me to express my most sincere and kindest wishes to all of you. Yes, the years go by, but let us push on alongside them. Things can get better if only we keep going! So keep going, never surrender, reach out and grasp your goals. You – yes, you – can do it. Let's make this coming year worth remembering fondly!
And, as always, stay tuned,
~Gulheru
*TACKLES YOUUUU*
5761579
:considers himself tackled:
I have a question, what would Cadance and Snining's name in Noctraliyar be?
5761583
Shining Armor is known as "Niteyu Zbroy", while Cadance would be either, phonetically, "Cadens", because of the way her name differs from "cadence", or "Ritme", so the female form of the noun "ritm" – rhythm.
5761585
Cool, I am interested in seeing how the Thestrals meet the two of them.
5761586
That might be in store for the coming year. You never know.
5761587
Yay!
I didn't catch this from the beginning but I have been enjoying the ride. I would have to say Journet and "Cross the Rubicon" are my two favorite on going stories at the moment. Thank you for your work.
Glad to find you well and hear you are pressing on!
Happy New Year!
5761601
Thank you kindly, I hope I will continue to deliver!
5761604
That I am, and I'm not planning to stop.
Happy New Year!
What every writer either desires or fears: when their story gains sentience.
Glad 2023 went well for you overall and wish you the best for 2024!
5761616
I created a right monster, didn't I?
Happy New Year!
Journey with a Batpony remains one of my favorite fictions, even if in my case it sometimes becomes complicated for someone who is not a native English speaker, I still have 5 chapters to catch up on... well 6 if a new one comes out tomorrow, I can't wait to take an evening and read them slowly!
Don't rush, don't force things, this story of yours is becoming one of the best on the site!
Oh..and happy new year!
5761640
Thank you, humbly, for the praise. Don't worry, I'm not a native English speaker either!
Happy New Year!
Howdy Gulheru!
I stumbled upon "Journey with a Batpony" after reading several other stories with
ThestralsNoctrali and I'm absolutely in love with this story! Twilight & Midnight's relationship is organic and to me doesn't feel rushed. The interactions with all the characters is on point, all the political intrigue is so good...how the A plot & B plot pair well together, it's such a fun read, and I'm less than a quarter in.You put a lot of love in this story Gulheru, and it shows. I'm looking forward to where the story takes us next! Thank you!
(I'm secretly hoping for a "Meet the Parents" moment (lack of a better word) where Twilight introduces Midnight to both Celestia & Luna, but I can imagine that's down the line)
5762548
Thank you so much, I appreciate your words greatly! Welcome aboard and do enjoy the journey alongside our heroes.
This is if not one of the best fanfictions if not the best batpony fic on this site. The world building, the variety interesting characters and the romance is chefs kiss, not too fond of Twilight x OC fics cause of bad writing/self insert character that's bland, but this one takes the cake.
This fic is in my top 5 for sure I look forward to more, I think this fanfic will reach legend status like The Enchanted Library and Fallout Equestria(two of my favorites) and get it hard copy once it's finished.
5763186
Goodness me, that's very kind of you! I am all the more motivated to make sure I don't fall short of those expectations. I do want to bring the story to a satisfying conclusion, but we are not done yet, oh no. More is to come.